The Conscious Collective
Your Family Roadtrip Packing List - Wellness Edition
Road Trippin’ with Heart: The Ultimate Family Wellness Packing List
Ah, the summer road trip: windows down, snacks flying, siblings negotiating over music control like it’s a hostage situation. It’s chaotic, it’s hilarious—and with a little intention, it can be wildly wonderful.
At Conscious Coconut, we’re all about turning the journey into something just as nourishing as the destination. That means car rides without clutter, snacks that won’t send your kids into sugar orbit, and wellness essentials that keep your whole crew feeling like their sunniest selves.
Here’s our guide to a summer road trip that’s equal parts organized, grounded, and joyfully messy in the best way.
Car Accessories That Keep the Peace (and the crumbs contained)
A family car without a trash bin? Rookie move. This leak-proof lifesaver catches everything from banana peels to mysterious snack wrappers no one claims.
Meet your backseat MVP: a cuddly travel buddy that doubles as a nap pillow and peacekeeper.
Soft and ideal for car naps, roadside picnics, impromptu snuggles, or creating a fort when the “Are we there yet?”s start.
Your kids on-the-go art studio! Plus keeps crayons, snacks, screens, and tiny toys right where they belong: not under your seat.
The ultimate snack station for picky eaters and lunchbox connoisseurs alike. Variety? Check. No spills? Double check.
For when your sunglasses deserve more than the cupholder (and you’re tired of sitting on them).
It's an ice pack, no its a bag no its just awesome. Keep in the freezer for to keep roadtrip snacks & leftovers cold all day long. It flattens and folds up for super efficient storage and packing. We're also big fans of their snack pouches & lunch boxes for hikes and other activities!
Healthy(ish) Snacks They’ll Actually Eat
You don’t have to choose between goldfish crackers and chaos. These are the snacks that strike a balance—nutrient-dense, delicious, and road-trip approved by both parents and picky 5-year-olds.
Savory. Crunchy. Surprisingly addictive. Like chips, but yummier.
Zero prep, zero mess, 100% nature’s energy bar.
Candy, but make it coconut-forward and not loaded with junk.
Wholesome little bites packed with oats, seeds, and “just enough sweet” to keep everyone smiling.
Sweet, a little sticky and the snack that supports fiber on the road
Like that other canister chip brand… but without the regrets.
Wellness Kit: Because Someone Will Definitely Get a Bug Bite
The road may be winding, but your wellness routine doesn’t have to be. This kit keeps you prepared for every “oops,” “ouch,” and “are we almost there?”
Because you’re the driver, DJ, snack ref, and occasional therapist. Take the edge off, naturally.
Here’s a great option for the littles!
Motion sickness? Not today. These magic wristbands work like tiny wellness superheroes.
Gentle, effective, and no drowsy zombies in the backseat.
For minor scrapes and major drama. Bonus: they’re actually cute.
Stays for days! We struggled with molluscum earlier this year and these saved us. Non-irritating and great for sensitive skin
Clean ingredients. Serious sun protection. No white ghost faces.
SPF in a refreshing mist? Yes, please. Protect yourself from the sun barreling down for hours on your road trip.
Your holy grail. This USDA Organic coconut oil does it all—heals scrapes, calms sunburn, nipple balm, and moisturizes everything. You’ll wonder how you ever traveled without it.
All of the above in an easy-to-use wipe! Our go-to for diaper rashes, makeup remover and more.
Smells great, keeps the bugs away, and skips the DEET. Nature (and mom) approved.
Entertainment for Soulful (and Sanity-Saving) Travel Moments
Let’s be real—entertainment is the unsung hero of a smooth family road trip. And we’re not talking about back-to-back screens. We mean mindful, engaging, and even a little inspiring—options that help your family grow, giggle, and stay grounded between rest stops.
Whether you’re looking for a calm coloring moment, a deep podcast convo, or a kid-friendly fact-fest, these are our top picks to bring along:
Podcasts for the Whole Family
Turn the backseat into a game show! This lively podcast keeps curious minds busy and turns “Are we there yet?” into “Next question!”
Adventure from the passenger seat with real travel stories that spark imagination and wanderlust in kids and grown-ups alike.
For the adults (or teens who love a good mic drop), Jay brings heart-forward wisdom and conversations that make the miles feel meaningful.
Books & Mindful Activities
Perfect for quiet time in the backseat or winding down after a long day. Calming, creative, and just the right amount of cozy.
Stories, songs, and crafts that introduce little ones to Japanese culture. Learning and play, beautifully combined.
For the grown-ups: a poetic, soul-stirring read that’ll keep you turning pages long after the kids fall asleep.
Gentle wisdom, deeper connection, and loving presence in a travel-sized paperback. Perfect for a moment of reflection at a scenic stop.
An absolute gem for curious kids (and curious parents!). A visual journey across the globe filled with wild facts and fun illustrations.
When ipad time is over, these 12 dry-erase cards are filled with popular restaurant names, car brands, road signs, and other fun objects that your children can search for from the car window.
All hail Wikki Stix! They take up minimal space, are mess-free and keep my kids entertained for hours, anywhere. They are endlessly reusable and great for fidgety fingers.
Hours of space-saving imagination with these awesome playtime pads. They can play a travel agent, police, librarian, waiter, teacher or doctor. We love these at home or on the road!
We love these 5-minute drawing lessons that teach your kids how to draw fun summer-themed pictures from beach balls to sailboats, fireworks to ice cream.
The Journey is the Destination
By packing entertainment that nurtures creativity, encourages connection, and aligns with your family’s mindful values, you create space for magic—not meltdowns.
Because conscious travel is about more than just where you’re going—it’s how you get there. With these joyful distractions in your back pocket, your road trip playlist just got a whole lot deeper (and quieter, too).
Mindful Miles, Happy Memories
With a car full of calm vibes, healthy snacks, and wellness must-haves, your summer road trip can feel less like a marathon and more like a memory in the making. From scenic detours to snack breaks in the shade, these small tools bring big peace of mind.
So load up the car, grab your Conscious Coconut, and let the journey be the destination.
🌴 10 Family-Friendly Ways to Use Coconut Oil at the Beach
A day at the beach is full of sunshine, saltwater, and sandy smiles — but it can also mean sunburns, bug bites, and irritated skin. That’s why we always keep a tube of Conscious Coconut Oil in our beach bag. It’s a one-ingredient wonder, rooted in nature and backed by science.
Here’s how coconut oil naturally heals, protects, and soothes your family’s skin at the beach — and why it works so well.
1. After-Sun Relief for Everyone ☀️
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, capric acid, and vitamin E, which are clinically shown to reduce inflammation, support skin barrier repair, and neutralize free radicals caused by sun exposure.
🔬 The science: A study published in Pharmaceutical Biology (2014) found virgin coconut oil has significant anti-inflammatory effects, aiding in the healing of UV-damaged skin.
✅ Use: Apply a thin layer to red cheeks, shoulders, or anywhere needing cooling care.
2. Soothing Bug Bite Balm 🐜
Pesky beach bugs or evening mosquitos? Coconut oil’s natural anti-itch and antimicrobial properties help reduce swelling, soothe itching, and protect from infection — without harsh chemicals.
Bug bites trigger an immune response in your skin—your body releases histamines that cause redness, swelling, and that maddening itch. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a powerful fatty acid with natural anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce swelling and soothe irritation.
🧬 How It Works
The anti-inflammatory effects are attributed to:
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Lauric acid, which may inhibit inflammatory pathways and microbial growth
-
Polyphenols, plant-based antioxidants that help modulate immune response
-
Medium-chain fatty acids, which support skin barrier repair and prevent moisture loss
Together, these natural compounds help reduce the itch-scratch cycle that can worsen bug bites, while also soothing skin and preventing secondary infections.
3. Healing Cracked Heels & Dry Toes 🦶
Sand and saltwater can quickly dry out feet — especially for kids who run barefoot all day. Massage a bit of oil onto clean, dry skin to rehydrate and repair cracked heels and little toes.
4. Rash & Chafing Rescue 👶
Whether it’s a heat rash, sand irritation, or chafing from swimwear, coconut oil helps create a gentle, breathable barrier that allows skin to heal. It’s a safe and effective remedy for diaper areas and sensitive spots.
🔬 The science: A 2013 clinical study published in Pediatrics and Neonatology found coconut oil improved symptoms of diaper dermatitis better than mineral oil due to its antimicrobial fatty acids.
✅ Use: Apply as a skin protectant to rash-prone areas for babies and kids.
5. Lip & Nose Healer 💋👃
Salt and sun often leave lips and noses raw or peeling. Dab coconut oil on dry lips, sunburned nostrils, or under the nose to soften, protect, and speed healing — safe even if it gets licked off.
🔬 The science: Studies in International Journal of Molecular Sciences show virgin coconut oil increases collagen cross-linking and skin hydration, accelerating wound and chapped skin recovery.
✅ Use: Apply to lips, nostrils, or under the nose for softening and repair.
6. Windburn & Redness Repair 🌬️
Windy beach days can leave cheeks and hands red and stinging. Coconut oil helps reduce inflammation and restore the skin barrier, especially when applied before bed post-beach.
🔬 The science: Research in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine confirms coconut oil’s ability to reduce erythema (redness) and support skin barrier recovery.
✅ Use: Massage gently into red cheeks or irritated hands post-beach.
7. Cut & Scrape Cleaner 🩹
Shell scrapes, coral cuts, or toddler tumbles? Coconut oil’s natural antibacterial and antifungal qualities make it a gentle option for cleaning and protecting minor cuts — especially when you’re away from home.
🔬 The science: A 2010 study in Journal of Medicinal Food found coconut oil promotes faster wound healing and reduces microbial contamination in cuts.
✅ Use: Clean the area and apply a light layer to help it heal, naturally.
8. Pre-Swim Hair Protection 👧
When it comes to sunny days with your little ones, keeping them protected goes far beyond sunscreen. One often-overlooked spot? Their hair and scalp. Saltwater, chlorine, sun, and sand can do a number on delicate strands — especially on fine baby hair, curls, or color-treated tips.
That’s why parents are turning to Conscious Coconut Oil as a natural, safe, and effective pre-swim hair protectant for your kids.
Here’s why:
Protects Hair Color – creates a barrier to help prevent fading
Seals in Moisture – no more dry, crunchy ends
Prevents Chlorine Damage – keeps hair soft & shiny
UV Shield – natural sun protection for your scalp + strands
Pro tip: Warm a dollop of @consciouscoconut oil in your hands and run it through you and your little's hair - from scalp to ends before heading into the water.
About Conscious Coconut Oil
Clinically-Tested & Hospital-Approved
We are grateful to supply hospitals nationwide with individual coconut oil packets for wound healing, lactation and as a topical emollient for newborns. This includes Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Children's Minnesota, Ascension, Cone Health, Sutter Health, Maine Health and many more.
Our Retailers.
🥥 The Science: Why Coconut Oil Soothes Bug Bites (And Why It’s Safe for the Whole Family)
Whether you're hiking in the mountains, playing in the backyard, or enjoying a beach bonfire, bug bites are often an unfortunate side effect of outdoor fun. The itch, the redness, the irritation—it’s enough to put a damper on any adventure. But there's a natural, multitasking solution that you might already have in your bag: Coconut oil.
At Conscious Coconut, we believe in using nature’s purest remedy to support everyday wellness—and when it comes to calming bug bites, coconut oil delivers. Here’s why:
🥥 The Science: Why Coconut Oil Soothes Bug Bites
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Bug bites trigger an immune response in your skin—your body releases histamines that cause redness, swelling, and that maddening itch. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a powerful fatty acid with natural anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce swelling and soothe irritation.
🧬 How It Works
The anti-inflammatory effects are attributed to:
-
Lauric acid, which may inhibit inflammatory pathways and microbial growth
-
Polyphenols, plant-based antioxidants that help modulate immune response
-
Medium-chain fatty acids, which support skin barrier repair and prevent moisture loss
Together, these natural compounds help reduce the itch-scratch cycle that can worsen bug bites, while also soothing skin and preventing secondary infections.
2. Antibacterial & Antimicrobial Benefits
Scratching bites (we know, it’s tempting) can break the skin, opening the door for bacteria and potential infection. Lauric acid and capric acid in coconut oil have been shown to have antimicrobial and antibacterial effects, which may help protect the skin and support faster healing without harsh synthetic additives.
3. Moisturizing & Barrier Protection
Dry, irritated skin around a bite can prolong discomfort. Coconut oil is an ultra-hydrating emollient that penetrates the skin deeply while creating a breathable barrier. This helps lock in moisture and reduce flaking, itching, or cracking.
4. Antioxidants for Skin Repair
Coconut oil is rich in vitamin E and polyphenols, which offer antioxidant benefits that may help support skin repair and regeneration—exactly what your skin needs post-bug bite.
🌿 Why Choose Organic Coconut Oil for Bug Bites?
Unlike conventional creams or ointments that may contain synthetic fragrances, parabens, or cortisone, organic coconut oil is a clean and gentle alternative—safe for all ages and skin types. Conscious Coconut Oil is:
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Certified Organic
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Fair Trade
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Raw, Virgin, Centrifuged
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Great for Sensitive Skin & Children
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Packaged in BPA-free tubes for on-the-go ease
It’s pure enough for newborns and effective enough for adults. Whether it’s your toddler’s first mosquito bite or your own bee sting from a trail hike, a dab of coconut oil is a trustworthy go-to.
👨👩👧👦 One Tube, So Much Soothing
Keeping a tube of Conscious Coconut Oil in your bag means you’re ready for:
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Mosquito bites
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Bee stings
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Fire ant bumps
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Itchy rashes from unknown sources
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Post-scratch skin soothing
Plus, it doubles as lip balm, hair conditioner, sunburn soother, and makeup remover. Talk about multi-tasking magic!
📚 The Clinical Study: Real Science, Real Results
A 2010 study published in Pharmaceutical Biology explored the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of virgin coconut oil. In the study, researchers applied VCO topically to inflamed skin in animal models and found it significantly reduced swelling, discomfort, and irritation.
“Virgin coconut oil exhibited anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties.”
— Intahphuak, S. et al. (2010). Pharmaceutical Biology, 48(2), 151–157
This study supports what natural healers and traditional medicine have known for generations: coconut oil works.
🌞 Nature’s Remedy, Ready for Adventure
As we step into summer and spend more time under the sun and stars, make coconut oil your natural companion for bite relief. Safe, effective, and straight from the earth—Conscious Coconut Oil is a wellness essential for every outdoor adventure whether you're:
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Camping in the mountains
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Playing at the park
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Surfing in saltwater
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Hanging in the backyard
.
Navigating California Wildfires
Whether you’ve been directly affected or you're looking for ways to help, this blog will share important resources for recovery and ways to get involved. We will continue to add to this as resources come. Together, we can support the LA community and bring hope to where its needed the most.
If you were affected:
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Call (800) 621-3362 to apply for individual assistance through FEMA
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Call 211 for information and referral to food, housing, health, and mental health services
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Looking for your loved ones? Check out Red Cross Reunification Portal.
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Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990 to reach this national hotline that provides free 24/7, crisis counseling from trained counselors ready to help. This is a great resource for anyone struggling.
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Feeding America: They are actively working with partner food banks to provide food and supplies.
- Complete this anonymous questionnaire to get the most accurate, personalized list of possible assistance
If you want to help those affected:
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World Central Kitchen: Prepares food & fresh water
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American Red Cross: Delivers aid in a variety of ways including mental health
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Direct Relief: Provides medical resources
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Baby2Baby: Send supplies for children and families
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Save the Children: Helps children & schools
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The Humane Society of the United States Emergency Animal Relief Fund: Helps animals impacted by disasters
- Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: Provides important supplies and equipment for firefighters
